Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC are coming to give an update to Squamish council on Tuesday 23rd July.

We need to be there too, en masse.

With Woodfibre LNG's final investment decision looming, we need to send a clear message that we're not giving up. We will hold them accountable each and every step of the way, and make it difficult for them to proceed.

As communities across Canada declare a Climate Emergency, a recent report has found that new LNG development is undermining action on climate change.

Enough is enough. We cannot develop new fossil fuel infrastructure like LNG if we want a livable planet for our children and our grandchildren.

Not to mention the upstream impacts of fracking, and the local impacts to our wildlife, health, and safety.

Will you stand with us and let Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC know that we don't want their dirty fracked gas project in Howe Sound?

WHEN: 8:30am - 9:00am, Tuesday 23rd July 2019

WHERE: Squamish Municipal Hall, 37955 2nd Avenue, Squamish BC

WHAT TO WEAR: Anything red, orange, yellow, or black.

WHAT TO BRING: Drums and noisemakers. We have a visual action planned with signs and banners saying "Climate Emergency" "There is No Planet B" and "Stop Woodfibre LNG."

DETAILED ITINERARY:

8:30am - 8:45am Assemble outside Squamish municipal hall.

8:45am - 9:00am Join us in a photo action to send a clear message to Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC.

9:00am - 11:00am (OPTIONAL) Stay to hear what Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC are planning.

Please RSVP so we can plan this action!

Together we are fearless and we are determined. We hope to see you on July 23rd.

Want to volunteer to help create this action?

If you like to get creative, we will be painting signs and banners on Sunday 21st July in Squamish from 4pm to 6pm. MORE DETAILS HERE.

Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC are coming to give an update to Squamish council on Tuesday 23rd July. We are planning to be there en masse with a fun and creative visual to make some noise before the council meeting.

Get creative with us to help #StopWoodfibreLNG. We will provide all the materials for banners and visuals, and snacks!

Wear old clothes for painting and crafting with us.

Accessibility Information:

This event will be scent-free, please help and refrain from wearing or using scented products.

This venue is wheelchair accessible. Should you need a hand please email farrah@myseatosky.org and we'll be glad to help.

Happy Earth Day! We thought we'd celebrate by sharing some incredible good news stories about Howe Sound.

Volunteers and organizations from around Howe Sound are coordinating efforts to clean up the debris caused by our extreme winter storms.

On Monday, the BC NDP sided with the BC Liberals to vote 80–3 to approve new fossil fuel subsidies to prop up LNG export projects like Woodfibre LNG and LNG Canada.

We've been paying close attention to Woodfibre LNG, and the rumours are concerning.

MEDIA ADVISORY:

Orca Celebration calls on Minister Heyman to Protect Howe Sound

Last year My Sea to Sky created a heart to launch our campaign to Protect Howe Sound (watch the video). This year we're going big, like really big, as we create an orca out of people.

My Sea to Sky is proud to be partnering with the Squamish Street Market to Celebrate Orcas and call on Minister George Heyman to Protect Howe Sound.

Media is invited to attend. Photos and video footage will be provided immediately following the event.

WHAT: Art meets activism as we create an orca out of people with the stunning Stawamus Chief as a backdrop.

WHO: My Sea to Sky and Squamish Street Market

WHEN: Sunday September 16, 2018 3pm - 4pm, followed by a picnic celebration at O'Siyam Pavilion

WHERE: Xwu’nekw Park and Canoe Shelter (pronounced whoo-Nay-Oak), on the waterfront at the corner of Loggers Lane and Main Street in Squamish (see map).

WHY: After decades of industrial damage, orcas have returned to Howe Sound in the last few years as the ecosystem has recovered. My Sea to Sky is calling on Minister George Heyman to recognize the work that has been accomplished to begin to restore Howe Sound's fragile ecosystems, and to protect Howe Sound for future generations.

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DOWNLOAD POSTER, VIDEO, AND GRAPHIC FILES HERE

CONTACTS

Tracey Saxby -- My Sea To Sky
604.892.7501 tracey@myseatosky.org

http://www.myseatosky.org/

About My Sea to Sky

My Sea To Sky is a people-powered environmental organization that was founded in 2014 to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound. We actively advocate against unsustainable industrial projects that threaten the environmental recovery of Howe Sound, and are working to develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations, and reduce human caused threats to Howe Sound. We do this by organizing educational events; coordinating research; building partnerships and respectful relationships; lifting up First Nations voices and culture; and facilitating public engagement with our municipal, provincial, and federal governments. We aim to inspire our community to become activists, and make it as simple as possible for people to take action at critical moments.

Our mission

We inspire and empower British Columbians to safeguard the spectacular natural legacy of Howe Sound.

Our vision

We envision a future in which Howe Sound’s (Átl’ka7tsem) thriving ecosystems support regenerative communities.

Our strategic priorities (2018 to 2023)

1. Defend: Stop destructive projects that threaten the environmental integrity of Howe Sound.
2. Protect: Develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations.
3. Restore: Reduce human-caused threats to Howe Sound and support ecosystem restoration efforts.

MEDIA ADVISORY:

Orca Celebration cancelled due to logistics with weather

My Sea to Sky regrets to announce that the Orca Celebration planned for Sunday 16th September is cancelled due to logistical challenges with the weather.

The Squamish Street Market will proceed, rain or shine, from 10am till 6pm as planned on Sunday 16th September, with live music, beer garden, food vendors, and street market.  

My Sea to Sky hopes to partner with the Squamish Street Market again in 2019, and will ensure that any future events are better weather-proofed.

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CONTACTS

Tracey Saxby -- My Sea To Sky
604.892.7501 tracey@myseatosky.org

Bianca Peters -- Squamish Street Market
604.815.8725 bianca@bpcom.ca

http://www.myseatosky.org/

About My Sea to Sky

My Sea To Sky is a people-powered environmental organization that was founded in 2014 to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound. We actively advocate against unsustainable industrial projects that threaten the environmental recovery of Howe Sound, and are working to develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations, and reduce human caused threats to Howe Sound. We do this by organizing educational events; coordinating research; building partnerships and respectful relationships; lifting up First Nations voices and culture; and facilitating public engagement with our municipal, provincial, and federal governments. We aim to inspire our community to become activists, and make it as simple as possible for people to take action at critical moments.

Our mission

We inspire and empower British Columbians to safeguard the spectacular natural legacy of Howe Sound.

Our vision

We envision a future in which Howe Sound’s (Átl’ka7tsem) thriving ecosystems support regenerative communities.

Our strategic priorities (2018 to 2023)

1. Defend: Stop destructive projects that threaten the environmental integrity of Howe Sound.
2. Protect: Develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations.
3. Restore: Reduce human-caused threats to Howe Sound and support ecosystem restoration efforts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2nd November 2018

"Trudeau: Pull up your socks on climate change"

Approximately 50 people stood in the rain outside Gleneagles Golf Course in West Vancouver last night, determined to send a message to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was scheduled to attend a $1,500-per-plate Liberal fundraising event inside.

With signs reading "Trudeau: Pull up your socks on climate change!" and "Climate Action Now!" and "LNG = Climate Change," concerned citizens created a chorus with drums and pots and pans as they waited for more than three hours for the Prime Minister's convoy to appear.

"Scientists have warned us that we have twelve years to limit climate change catastrophe," said Tracey Saxby, marine scientist and Executive Director of My Sea to Sky. "People are angry about the lack of real climate action from our leaders, and we're scared about the very real consequences that climate change is already having on our communities.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government continues to expand fossil fuel production, by approving Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export facilities, and the recent Kinder Morgan pipeline purchase. This is not climate leadership."

The federal Liberals continue to cave in to pressure from the fossil fuel industry, with the most recent proposal to lower the carbon tax on coal burning power plants to $1 per tonne.

"The Federal government is allowing the biggest carbon polluters to continue destroying our climate. Our children will be paying the price for that pollution."

As the Federal election approaches in 2019, citizens warn that this kind of action is just the beginning.

"This is a climate emergency," Saxby said. "We need urgent action from all levels of government to immediately reduce carbon pollution, and retrain oil and gas workers to help support the transition to a renewable energy economy. Our future depends on it."

Neither the Prime Minister nor local MPs Pamela Goldsmith-Jones or Jonathan Wilkinson stopped to speak with protesters.

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DOWNLOAD PHOTOS HERE

For interviews please contact:

Tracey Saxby -- My Sea To Sky
604.892.7501 tracey@myseatosky.org

http://www.myseatosky.org/

About My Sea to Sky

My Sea To Sky is a people-powered environmental organization that was founded in 2014 to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound. We actively advocate against unsustainable industrial projects that threaten the environmental recovery of Howe Sound, and are working to develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations, and reduce human caused threats to Howe Sound. We do this by organizing educational events; coordinating research; building partnerships and respectful relationships; lifting up First Nations voices and culture; and facilitating public engagement with our municipal, provincial, and federal governments. We aim to inspire our community to become activists, and make it as simple as possible for people to take action at critical moments.

Our mission

We inspire and empower British Columbians to safeguard the spectacular natural legacy of Howe Sound.

Our vision

We envision a future in which Howe Sound’s (Átl’ka7tsem) thriving ecosystems support regenerative communities.

Our strategic priorities (2018 to 2023)

1. Defend: Stop destructive projects that threaten the environmental integrity of Howe Sound.
2. Protect: Develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations.
3. Restore: Reduce human-caused threats to Howe Sound and support ecosystem restoration efforts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 23rd November 2018

We will continue to fight: Woodfibre LNG is not a done deal

Squamish Nation has voted to approve the Impact Benefit Agreement with Woodfibre LNG, FortisBC, and the Provincial Government, fulfilling a key condition imposed as part of the Nation's environmental assessment process.

We respect Squamish Nation’s decision, but recognize that this was a split vote.

My Sea to Sky remains steadfastly opposed to Woodfibre LNG.

We have grave concerns about the impacts that Woodfibre LNG will have on wildlife in Howe Sound, the lack of safety regulations for LNG tankers in Canadian waters, the costs of air pollution to human health, the subsidies that are unfairly propping up a sunset industry, and the upstream and local climate impacts of this project.

"Scientists have warned us that we have twelve years to limit climate catastrophe," said Tracey Saxby, marine scientist and Executive Director of My Sea to Sky. "People are scared about the very real consequences that climate change is already having on our communities. We cannot build new fossil fuel infrastructure when we are facing a climate crisis that threatens the future of our planet."

"Nearly 18,000 people around Howe Sound have signed a declaration in opposition to Woodfibre LNG. This project does not have social license to proceed and we will continue to fight for our future."

-- 30 --

For interviews please contact:

Tracey Saxby -- My Sea To Sky
604.892.7501 tracey@myseatosky.org

http://www.myseatosky.org/

SEE SQUAMISH NATION'S LIST OF 25 CONDITIONS HERE

http://www.squamish.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/SN_Newsletter_V3_26Oct2016-01288844.pdf

SEE THE HOWE SOUND DECLARATION HERE

http://www.myseatosky.org/declaration

About My Sea to Sky

My Sea To Sky is a people-powered environmental organization that was founded in 2014 to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound. We actively advocate against unsustainable industrial projects that threaten the environmental recovery of Howe Sound, and are working to develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations, and reduce human caused threats to Howe Sound. We do this by organizing educational events; coordinating research; building partnerships and respectful relationships; lifting up First Nations voices and culture; and facilitating public engagement with our municipal, provincial, and federal governments. We aim to inspire our community to become activists, and make it as simple as possible for people to take action at critical moments.

Our mission

We inspire and empower British Columbians to safeguard the spectacular natural legacy of Howe Sound.

Our vision

We envision a future in which Howe Sound’s (Átl’ka7tsem) thriving ecosystems support regenerative communities.

Our strategic priorities (2018 to 2023)

1. Defend: Stop destructive projects that threaten the environmental integrity of Howe Sound.
2. Protect: Develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations.

Restore: Reduce human-caused threats to Howe Sound and support ecosystem restoration efforts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 29th November 2018

Woodfibre LNG is a bad deal for BC

On Wednesday 21st November, Squamish Nation voted 8-6 in a contentious decision to approve an Impact Benefit Agreement with Woodfibre LNG, FortisBC, BC Hydro, and the Provincial Government, fulfilling a key condition imposed as part of the Nation's environmental assessment process.

Details of this agreement have been leaked via The Breaker News, and include lands, jobs, and $225.6 million in cash payments over 40 years, averaging almost $4.7 million a year.

"Woodfibre LNG is a bad deal for BC," stated Eoin Finn, Chair of My Sea to Sky, a people-powered environmental organization that has been working to stop Woodfibre LNG since 2014. "This is a giveaway of public money and resources, to a foreign-owned company owned by Sukanto Tanoto, an Indonesian billionaire whose companies have a history of tax evasion and human rights violations."

"This shows just how far the Provincial government is willing to go to prop up an LNG export industry that is simply not viable without massive subsidies and tax breaks. This is scandalous."

My Sea to Sky remains steadfastly opposed to Woodfibre LNG.

We have grave concerns about the impacts that Woodfibre LNG will have on wildlife in Howe Sound, the lack of safety regulations for LNG tankers in Canadian waters, the costs of air pollution to human health, the subsidies that are unfairly propping up a sunset industry, and the upstream and local climate impacts of this project.

"Scientists have warned us that we have twelve years to limit climate catastrophe," said Tracey Saxby, marine scientist and Executive Director of My Sea to Sky. "People are scared about the very real consequences that climate change is already having on our communities. We cannot build new fossil fuel infrastructure when we are facing a climate crisis that threatens the future of our planet."

"Woodfibre LNG is a bad deal for British Columbians, a bad deal for Howe Sound, and a bad deal for our climate."

Nearly 18,000 people around Howe Sound have signed a declaration in opposition to Woodfibre LNG.

-- 30 --

For interviews please contact:

Eoin Finn -- Chair, My Sea To Sky
604.715.7991 efinn@shaw.ca

Tracey Saxby -- Executive Director, My Sea To Sky
604.892.7501 tracey@myseatosky.org

http://www.myseatosky.org/

SEE THE BREAKER NEWS ARTICLE

https://thebreaker.news/news/woodfibre-squamish-deal/

SEE THE LIST OF TAX BREAKS AND SUBSIDIES ALREADY GRANTED TO WOODFIBRE LNG

https://www.squamishchief.com/opinion/letters/letter-about-lng-subsidies-1.23470075

SEE SQUAMISH NATION'S LIST OF 25 CONDITIONS HERE

http://www.squamish.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/SN_Newsletter_V3_26Oct2016-01288844.pdf

SEE THE HOWE SOUND DECLARATION HERE

http://www.myseatosky.org/declaration

About My Sea to Sky

My Sea To Sky is a people-powered environmental organization that was founded in 2014 to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound. We actively advocate against unsustainable industrial projects that threaten the environmental recovery of Howe Sound, and are working to develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations, and reduce human caused threats to Howe Sound. We do this by organizing educational events; coordinating research; building partnerships and respectful relationships; lifting up First Nations voices and culture; and facilitating public engagement with our municipal, provincial, and federal governments. We aim to inspire our community to become activists, and make it as simple as possible for people to take action at critical moments.

Our mission

We inspire and empower British Columbians to safeguard the spectacular natural legacy of Howe Sound.

Our vision

We envision a future in which Howe Sound’s (Átl’ka7tsem) thriving ecosystems support regenerative communities.

Our strategic priorities (2018 to 2023)

1. Defend: Stop destructive projects that threaten the environmental integrity of Howe Sound.
2. Protect: Develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations.
3. Restore: Reduce human-caused threats to Howe Sound and support ecosystem restoration efforts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 25th March 2019

New fossil fuel subsidies jeopardize climate action

On Monday, the BC legislature voted 80–3 to approve new fossil fuel subsidies to prop up LNG export projects like Woodfibre LNG and LNG Canada. This latest tax giveaway is in addition to subsidized power rates, elimination of the LNG royalty tax, reduced provincial income tax, and exemptions from carbon tax increases, to name a few. The total tax giveaway has been calculated at over $6 billion.

"The tax breaks and subsidies that have already been granted to this fledgling LNG industry are irresponsible and reckless," said Tracey Saxby, marine scientist and Executive Director of My Sea to Sky. "Subsidizing a new fossil fuel industry when we're facing a climate crisis is fracking crazy."

While LNG has been promoted as "clean" and "green" by the Provincial government, experts say BC LNG will create more greenhouse gases than coal due to leaking methane from fracking, and delay the transition to renewables.

"Scientists have warned us that we have twelve years to avoid climate catastrophe. People are scared about the very real consequences that climate change is already having on our communities. Incentivizing fracking and the rapid export of BC's natural gas seriously threatens BC's ability to meet its climate targets."

The 18.9 Mt of greenhouse gas reductions proposed in B.C's climate plan (CleanBC) still fall 25 percent short of achieving our legislated 2030 target of 25.4 Mt to meet the Paris Agreement.

To achieve the new emissions target outlined by the recent IPCC report, we need to reduce B.C.’s emissions by 27.9 Mt by 2030 (45 percent below 2010 levels). That means the shortfall between B.C’s climate plan (Clean BC) and where we need to get to according to the IPCC is now a total of 9 Mt.  Projected emissions from the two approved LNG projects in British Columbia (Woodfibre LNG and LNG Canada) are 9.1 Mt annually. If it proceeds, LNG Canada will be the single biggest source of carbon pollution in B.C.

"We need to acknowledge the cognitive dissonance of our governments: while we work to reduce our emissions, our Provincial and Federal governments continue to incentivize new emission intensive projects like LNG. This is a disappointing turnaround for the BC NDP, who spent years criticizing the BC Liberals for subsidizing LNG projects."

"Imagine if instead these incentives supported the transition to a renewable energy future. We cannot continue to build new fossil fuel infrastructure when we are facing a climate crisis that threatens the future of our planet and human existence."

-- 30 --

For interviews please contact:

Tracey Saxby -- Executive Director, My Sea To Sky
604.892.7501 tracey@myseatosky.org

http://www.myseatosky.org/

SEE THE LIST OF TAX BREAKS AND SUBSIDIES ALREADY GRANTED TO WOODFIBRE LNG

https://www.squamishchief.com/opinion/letters/letter-about-lng-subsidies-1.23470075

About My Sea to Sky

My Sea To Sky is a people-powered environmental organization that was founded in 2014 to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound. We actively advocate against unsustainable industrial projects that threaten the environmental recovery of Howe Sound, and are working to develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations, and reduce human caused threats to Howe Sound. We do this by organizing educational events; coordinating research; building partnerships and respectful relationships; lifting up First Nations voices and culture; and facilitating public engagement with our municipal, provincial, and federal governments. We aim to inspire our community to become activists, and make it as simple as possible for people to take action at critical moments.

Our mission

We inspire and empower British Columbians to safeguard the spectacular natural legacy of Howe Sound.

Our vision

We envision a future in which Howe Sound’s (Átl’ka7tsem) thriving ecosystems support regenerative communities.

Our strategic priorities (2018 to 2023)

1. Defend: Stop destructive projects that threaten the environmental integrity of Howe Sound.
2. Protect: Develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations.
3. Restore: Reduce human-caused threats to Howe Sound and support ecosystem restoration efforts.

As Woodfibre LNG is gearing up for construction, what actions are you willing to take to help us stop the project? Check all that apply:

Many people have been arguing that Woodfibre LNG should not be an election issue, however here are four reasons why we believe it needs to be: